LIVERPOOL star Thiago Alcantara had a late fitness scare before starting the Champions League final.
The Spanish midfielder was pulled out of the team warm-up minutes before the scheduled kick-off.
Thiago speaks to potential replacement Naby Keita Credit: Getty
The Spaniard had appeared to be consoled by Jurgen Klopp Credit: Rex Thiago, 31, went into the match as a doubt after being substituted at half-time against Southampton last week.
He was named in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI, only to have to take part in his own warm-up away from the rest of the team.
The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona ace underwent final stretches to see if he would be available to play.
Erroneous reports claimed that Jurgen Klopp had been forced to pull Thiago out of his XI, with Naby Keita taking his place.
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Vinicius Jr gives Spaniards 14th Champions League title During the warm-up, Keita broke away from substitutes and joined the first XI as Thiago, seemingly limping, did individual work.
The experienced midfielder then consulted boss Klopp, before being seen deep in conversation with Keita.
Klopp was forced to make that very change before the League Cup final in February, when a tearful Thiago had to be pulled out of the team at the 11th hour.
But this time, Thiago was able to shake off his injury concerns to start the game.
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He joined skipper Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in Liverpool’s starting XI.
Thiago and Co were forced to take to the field late after kick off was delayed.
The match kicked off at 8:36pm UK time.
Thiago went on to play 77 minutes, before being replaced by Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian was powerless to help the Reds equalise, however, with Madrid winning 1-0 to claim the Champions League trophy.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
